BACOLOD City – Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez announced that Bacolod has been ranked among the top 1,000 cities worldwide by Oxford Economics.
Bacolod is the only city from Western Visayas on the list and one of just nine Philippine cities recognized.
Nicknamed the “City of Smiles”, Bacolod secured the 538th spot, evaluated on economics, human capital, quality of life, environment, governance, and other critical indicators.
Benitez expressed his enthusiasm for the ranking, seeing it as a reflection of the success of local initiatives.
He anticipates that this global recognition will attract more investors, stimulate economic activity, and create job opportunities for the city’s residents.
During his recent State of the City Address, Benitez reiterated his commitment to elevating Bacolod, aspiring to transform it into a global, modern, inclusive, and sustainable “Super City”.
“I want to make Bacolod the best place to live, work, and play,” he emphasized, calling on residents to support the transformative efforts.
Stressing the need for endurance in what he described as a marathon of political and cultural transformation, Benitez further said, “Our dream for Bacolod may still be far, but it is gradually becoming a reality.
Moreover, the mayor underscored ongoing strategic efforts like addressing water shortages, managing energy costs, and promoting sustainable urban planning projects such as waste management, flood control, renewable energy initiatives, road clearing, car-free Sundays, and a master plan to develop the river promenade in Mambulok, a network of agri-hubs and underground cabling.
“I have a dream – but I also have a plan. Ang mga plano naton, nasuguran na naton i-implement. In just two years, we already have proof of concept. We already laid down the ground work. We have planted the seeds,” he said./PN
